The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance. What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Christine Hyatt | Acrylic and Watercolor Artist

I am fortunate enough, at the age of 58, to no longer have to have a paying job outside of my home. My husband of 35 years still works full time, and with his encouragement, I am able to have time to pursue the things I love, and what feeds me emotionally. I am grateful and mindful every day for my husband’s support. Read more>>

Cheryl Gleason | Art Director/Curator and Artist

Because I have had a job consistently since I was thirteen and a half, work is something that defined much of who I am. I had strong women in my life growing up who worked hard, often too hard and didn’t take enough time for themselves. This established a strong work ethic from a young age. Finding a work life balance is hard, but the older I get the more important it becomes. Read more>>

Shoko Wolfson | Pianist and Yogi

Until 5 years ago, I was working in Japan. My routine was to work for 30 days straight, then I would give myself a solo vacation to a foreign country for a week. I read a lot of business books, self help, and novels to try to become a better and more interesting person. Read more>>

Nicole Huggins | Artist & Attorney

Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying “Everything in moderation, including moderation,” though that principle goes back to classical antiquity. I think finding balance in life is tied to moderation. It’s not that you can’t have it all. You just can’t have it all, in equal degree, at the same time. When I was a child, I immigrated from Romania to the U.S. via Italy. In Italy we were free of the oppressive communist regime existing at the time and there was beautiful art everywhere. I fell in love with art. Once in the U.S., I couldn’t speak English, but found that I could communicate through art with people on another level. My art teacher thought I had talent and encouraged me to pursue it. I applied and got into art school upon graduating. As a single parent, my mother who had to retrain to rebuild her career upon immigrating, was concerned about how I would sustain myself as an artist. She encouraged me to pursue another degree, while continuing to draw. I found that I actually enjoyed studying political science, philosophy and economics. I found balance by becoming a lawyer, but continuing to take art classes and painting. I had a full time career as a lawyer and manager. I also fell in love with a wonderful man. Balance meant focusing on work at work and on my family at home. Through it all, art remained my passion and creative outlet. Upon retiring in 2019, I joined the Center for the Arts in Evergreen, which helped me get into a gallery. Now I exhibit regularly. Balance now means doing art and traveling to spend time with my wonderful family. Read more>>

René Mycorn | Owner & Clinical Therapist

Achieving balance is an ongoing journey, shaped by our evolving needs and the quality of our relationships. To me – It’s about finding harmony between work and life, prioritizing what matters most, and nurturing meaningful connections along the way. Work life balance is a top priority in my life and has changed over time. Before having a family and a business, balance looked different, as my responsibilities were minimal. The work hours were much longer compared to the present. Read more>>

 Joe Wegner | Carpenter and owner of Wegner Custom Furniture, LLC

There wasn’t a big, grandiose plan behind starting my business. It sort of started on accident. Ever since high school I always wanted to have my own business. I tried many jobs and different ideas over the years and none of them panned out. In early 2015 I needed a new bed. I had taken woods class in high school and I had a few tools from my days of doing kitchen and bathroom remodels, so I built a bed. Then I built a farm table and benches. Family and friends would come over and see the bed and table and suggested that I try selling custom pieces. I put a few photos on Craigslist and the next thing I knew, I was getting orders for tables and beds and making them in my backyard, until the neighbors complained about all the noise, at which point I had to move my operation into the garage! Read more>>